Heather Nowak

About me

I am extremely passionate about peer work and have witnessed the transformation that can take place in people's lives. I have lived with mental illness for over 38 years and worked as a Peer specialist, trainer and advocate in the mental health sector in for over sixteen years. I believe that all individuals living with mental illness and distress, including their carers and families, can live a full and meaningful life, given the right support.
My work as a peer worker highlighted many of the difficulties individuals face working in isolation or in organisations that struggle to understand the values and principles that underpin peer work. I became to determined to ensure that all peer workers have the personal and professional support to be their very best.

My experience

2009-2012 Mental Illness Fellowship of SA- Consumer peer worker Personal Helpers and Mentors Program
2012-2017 Carers and disAbility Link - Peer worker
2014-Present Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine -Casual Trainer (General Practice Mental Health Skills Training)
2015-2018 Mental Health Co-ordinating Council of Australia-Casual Trainer and Assessor
2015-Present Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer
2016-2022 TAFE SA- Trainer and Assessor Cert IV Mental Health Peer Work
2017-2019 Lived Experience Australia- Specialist Peer Consultant (Community of Peers Project)
2020-2023 SA Mental Health Commissioner
2022-Present Co – Founder Mental Health Peer Work Solutions
I have also participated on the following reference groups:
• National Mental Health Workforce Strategy Taskforce (Training and Education and Peer Workforce Work Groups)
• SA Lived Experience Workforce Taskforce (Chairperson)
• National Mental Health Commission Peer Workforce Development Guidelines Steering Committee
• National Peer Work Certificate IV Qualification Reference Group
• National Mental Health Service Planning Framework, Consumer/Carer Reference Group

My current role/work

I have just completed a 3 year contract as one of SA Mental Health Commissioners.
Co-founder Mental Health Peer Work solutions (Providing consultancy, peer training, professional development and supervision)
Flinders University Peer training for a research project
Peer worker Safe Space Adelaide Hills.
Co-chair Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Safe Spaces Standards Scoping Study advisory group.
National Initial Assessment and Referral Expert Advisory Group
Better Access Stakeholder Engagement Group
SA Human Rights and Coercion Reduction Committee
SA Mental Health Services Plan Steering Committee
National Mental Health Consumer/Carer Forum
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Mental Health Advisory Group
Consumers Health Forum, Member
Consumer representative General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration

My training

Master Trainer Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training – Living Works 2023
Certificate IV Training and Assessment TAE40116 ACG Global College 2019
TAESS502 Australian Institute of Technology Transfer 2018
TAELLN411 TAFE SA 2017
Updated including CHCPWK005 unit MENTAL HEALTH COORDINATING COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA
Certificate IV Mental Health Peer Work MENTAL HEALTH COORDINATING COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONS PROGRAMME 2016

Certificate IV Training and Assessment TAE40110 DOME 2013
Diploma of Community Services (Mental Health) CHC50308 TAFESA 2011

My approach to supervision

I approach supervision in the same way I approach peer work. It is about developing an equal relationship where we can chat about what is working well and what might be some of the challenges. Our chat is based around the values and principles of peer work and how we can uphold these. I will share skills I have learned along my career journey to enhance your work practice along with ensuring your own wellbeing and growth.